Five things to watch: Chargers vs. Bengals

5. OUTSIDE MATCHUPS: Cincinnati has one of the best cornerback tandems in the league in Vista native Leon Hall and Johnathan Joseph, the club’s No. 1 picks in 2007 and 2006. They’re able to handle most receivers, allowing Cincinnati to be aggressive with blitzes and other “games.” But like most cornerbacks, Hall and Joseph are under 6-feet tall, meaning they will be giving up several inches to the Chargers’ NBA-sized receiver contingent. And Philip Rivers has shown no fear in throwing the ball up for grabs in single coverage and allowing Vincent Jackson, Malcom Floyd and Antonio Gates to go up and make big plays. Speaking of Gates, Cincinnati is without two starting safeties; who is going to cover the uncoverable tight end?